Working At Wesselman; The experiences of ervaringen Gerald van Lopik.
How numbers create opportunities at Van Oers
What is it like to work at an accountancy firm that goes beyond just crunching numbers? At Van Oers, collaboration and innovation are at the core of everything we do. Over the years, the organisation has evolved from a traditional accountancy firm into a full-service advisory firm. As a result, the firm assists clients not only with financial administration but also with issues concerning sustainability, investments, and business acquisitions. Our advisors utilize financial insights to offer clients tailored guidance, collaborating closely with their Accountant or Controller. For that reason, seamless teamwork between departments at Van Oers is key. In an interview with Rick Frijters (Assistant Controller) and Pieter Baart (Corporate Finance Advisor), both working at Van Oers, we discussed their career paths, cross-departmental teamwork, and what makes working at Van Oers unique. Numbers as a foundation, different outcomes Rick and Pieter both studied at Avans University of Applied Sciences, following nearly identical degree programs in Accountancy and Finance & Control. They both had a knack for numbers, but it wasn’t until they entered the workforce that they discovered just how diverse the finance field can be and which direction suited them best. Rick started his career in Van Oers’ Accountancy department but later transitioned to the Finance & Control department, where he now works as an Assistant Controller. His main responsibilities include financial administration and budgeting for clients. Reflecting on his decision to shift from Accountancy to Finance & Control, he says: “As an Accountant, you focus mostly on the past, reviewing financial statements from previous years. At the Finance & Control team, we work with a company’s current financial position and adjust strategies to meet budget goals. I found that proactive and strategic approach much more appealing. Van Oers gave me the opportunity to explore different roles and determine what suited me best. Career paths here aren’t rigid — you can develop and grow within different departments.” Pieter Baart works as a Financing Advisor in the Corporate Finance department. He helps clients secure funding for their investments by analyzing financial data, creating business cases, advising on financing options, and ensuring deals are finalized. Describing his role, Pieter says: “I still work with financial data, but I focus on a single issue at a time within an organization. I thoroughly explore a single subject until it’s resolved, the next challenge can be completely different. That variety makes my job incredibly dynamic.” Collaborating for success We asked Rick and Pieter to describe what a financing process looks like and how collaboration between departments plays a role. Rick explains: “As an Assistant Controller or Accountant, you regularly interact with clients and build a strong relationship with your clients. As a result, clients often share their business plans with us. When we recognize that financing is needed or see opportunities for sustainability improvements, we involve our colleagues from the appropriate advisory department. For example, a client recently approached me with an investment plan. I immediately brought Pieter in, who put together a financing proposal in no time. These short communication lines make a real difference.” Pieter adds: “Our role as financing advisor is somewhat more reactive in nature—we step in when a client has a specific need. While we interact with clients less frequently, the relationships we build are still deep and personal.” Corporate Finance advisors rely on data provided by the client’s Accountant or Controller. Pieter notes: “Many of our clients also have their financial administration handled by Van Oers, which means we have quick access to the information we need. This allows us to act fast and consult internally about possibilities without always having to involve the client in every step. The result? We can present a complete and well-thought-out advisory plan much faster, strengthening our clients’ trust.” The strength of working as one team When discussing what sets Van Oers apart, Rick and Pieter highlight: “At Van Oers, collaboration is key — departments are interconnected, creating a strong sense of unity and teamwork. Even if you don’t work in the same department, we still work together as one team. That’s because we all share the same goal: providing the best possible advice to our clients, as efficiently as possible.” “And that sense of teamwork and unity extends beyond work. From social drinks and sports events to amazing company parties. Everyone is part of the same team.” Discover your ideal path with the Finance Traineeship Finally, we asked Rick and Pieter what their advice would be to students. Pieter shared: “Gain as much experience as you can, and don’t just settle for the first opportunity that comes your way. Figuring out what excites you and where you excel can benefit you tremendously in the long run.” As a multidisciplinary advisory firm, Van Oers offers a Finance Traineeship that allows students to gain experience across multiple departments. This enables you to explore different areas, discover what excites you, and determine where your strengths lie — helping you make an informed decision about your future career. Are you curious to see if Van Oers is the right fit for you? Join us for a coffee or visit our website to explore our job openings and internship opportunities!
Working at KPMG – Digital Audit Associate
Can you briefly introduce yourself, what you studied, and what inspired you to pursue a career in accountancy? I am Ricardo Walrave, 25 years old, originally from Vlissingen. I completed my bachelor’s degree in Finance & Control at Hogeschool Zeeland in Vlissingen and then, through a pre-master, pursued a master’s in Accountancy at Tilburg University. I am now following the post-master Accountancy program, also in Tilburg, while working as an Audit Associate at KPMG in the Breda office. Over the past two years, I have been involved in many enjoyable committees at Asset Financials and am still active in the Cooking Club committee. Some highlights of my time with the association include co-organizing the StudyTour to Brazil and last year’s fifth lustrum celebration. What attracted me to auditing was the opportunity to work with a variety of clients. This allows you to gain extensive knowledge about different industries, understand how businesses operate, and discover where your interests lie. Another aspect I really enjoy is that no two weeks are ever the same. What specifically attracted you to KPMG as an employer, and how did you experience the transition to working life? I got in touch with KPMG through the Accounting Expedition organized by Asset Asset Financials. During my visit, I immediately felt a connection due to the welcoming atmosphere at the office. That experience led me to apply right away. After spending six months as a thesis intern and another six months as a working student, I started full-time last September. The transition to working life took some adjustment in the first few months. Having focused primarily on studying and student life for years, I had to find a balance between a 40-hour workweek and my personal life. However, since I had already gained work experience during my last year of studies, I had a good idea of what to expect, which made the transition smoother. A great aspect of KPMG is that ambitions, requests, or challenges can always be openly discussed with colleagues, and solutions are actively sought. To support this, every new employee at KPMG is assigned a buddy, who provides guidance and assistance. You both work in audit now—what have you learned so far, and which moments stand out to you? In just a few months of working, I have rapidly gained knowledge about auditing and related areas. The first month included an onboarding period followed by two weeks of Audit Foundations training. This provided a strong foundation for client work and was a great opportunity to connect with other new hires from various KPMG offices across the country. I am also part of KPMG’s Digital Audit Track. As part of this program, dedicated time is allocated in my schedule to follow training sessions that enhance my digital skills and contribute to innovation within the audit field. In the first year, we have the opportunity to earn accreditations for tools like Alteryx and Power BI, which can then be applied directly to client work. This helps teams complete tasks more efficiently and effectively. Which initiatives or activities within KPMG make a difference in workplace culture for you? KPMG invests a lot in fostering a good atmosphere among colleagues. Regular office- or region-wide events are organized, and we have a weekly Friday afternoon social gathering. Beyond these official events, spontaneous plans often arise among colleagues to grab a drink after work or organize larger outings together. My personal highlight was a weekend trip to Dublin last October. What were your expectations about working in audit and at KPMG, and how do they compare to reality? Initially, I knew KPMG mainly from its logo and the huge headquarters in Amstelveen, which gave me the impression that it was a massive organization where employees might just be numbers. However, my perspective completely changed when I joined. The office introduction was very personal, and within a few days, I had already met most of my colleagues. Instead of feeling like just another employee, I found that KPMG values individuals and their unique contributions. The Future of Audit: How do you see this field evolving? I expect significant changes in the accountancy profession. Many (AI) tools are already available to streamline our work. For example, at KPMG, we frequently use RobotX and Datasnipper, which automate a large portion of our tasks. Where we once had to manually input data, these tools now allow us to complete extensive work with just a few clicks. Given these rapid advancements, I foresee the traditional aspects of auditing becoming increasingly automated, with auditors focusing more on analysis, evaluation, and providing substantive explanations for their findings. Beyond digital transformation, regulatory developments are also shaping the industry. The Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) is an example of a major regulatory shift. While some companies are already required to comply, many more will be affected in the near future. In response, KPMG offers an ESG Track alongside the regular audit and Digital Audit Track, allowing employees to dedicate part of their time to sustainability-related work. What advice would you give students about working at KPMG? I would encourage students to focus on what personally appeals to them in a company. I also highly recommend joining a study association (preferably Asset Financials 
) to explore different firms. A (thesis) internship is a great way to determine whether the work and office culture suit you. What drew me to KPMG was the opportunity to work with diverse clients and gain broad industry knowledge. No two weeks are the same. Additionally, KPMG supports me in obtaining my RA title while allowing me to grow step by step in the audit field, with a particular focus on Digital Audit. Want to learn more? Check out our page: https://www.werkenbijkpmg.nl/vakgebieden/audit-assurance-vacatures!
Working At De Beer – Meet Tim: Assistant Accountant and Chairman of the Works Council at De Beer
Tim Steketee (30) has been working at De Beer for a year and a half and will soon be moving into his new house in Hilvarenbeek, which he is currently renovating extensively. With his broad interests and energetic approach, he shares why he feels completely at home at De Beer and how he combines his role as Assistant Accountant with that of Chairman of the Works Council. What made you want to work at De Beer? “Through my hockey club in Hilvarenbeek, I had already heard many positive stories about De Beer. What immediately attracted me was the personal atmosphere and working in a smaller office. At my previous employer, the focus was mainly on growth, which didn’t quite fit what I was looking for. I particularly appreciate a work environment with short lines of communication and the freedom to find my own way. At De Beer, I really feel seen, both by colleagues and by clients. That personal and involved atmosphere makes a big difference for me.” How do you combine your work with your role in the Works Council? “Combining my work as an Assistant Accountant with my role as Chairman of the Works Council is going well. In my job, I am active daily in the Audit team, where I perform audits for various clients. I get enough time and space to contribute to the council and shape it further with my colleagues at De Beer. Although we are still in the start-up phase with the Works Council, the goal is to become an equal partner in discussions with management. We act as a link between employees and the board, ensuring that everyone has a voice. While many accountants are analytical and structured according to the DISC test, I belong more to the ‘red’ category: I am action-oriented and like to take the lead. This fits well with my role as chairman.” What do you like most about De Beer’s clients? “The client base at De Beer is really a breath of fresh air for me. The focus here is on local SMEs, mainly in Tilburg and the surrounding area. Most clients are within cycling distance, which creates an accessible atmosphere. At larger firms, you often work for big companies and only perform audits as an accountant. At De Beer, I can mean more and really support clients. This way, I add more value and work with clients who suit me well.” How do you experience the collaboration with your colleagues? “The collaboration here is good, especially thanks to the open culture. You can walk into anyone’s office, regardless of the team or your position. Within the Audit team, the lines of communication are short, and we are often on the same page, which makes collaboration efficient. You can easily switch with other departments, and if it gets too busy, you just say so. People really listen. Besides work, there are plenty of informal moments. Regular drinks are organized, and recently we went paddleboarding with the team. These activities make the atmosphere even more enjoyable.” What makes working at De Beer special for you? “At De Beer, I have a lot of freedom to divide my time between my Post-Master’s degree to become a Registered Accountant and the renovation of my house. Practical matters, such as working hours and the possibility to work from home, can be filled in flexibly. I greatly appreciate that flexibility and understanding of personal priorities. We work in small teams with experienced colleagues, so we continuously learn from each other. The culture is flat and open; you have all the space to find your own way and grow. If you have an idea or want to achieve something, you get the chance to explore and put it into practice. You are not just a number here and do more than just tick off tasks. That combination of an informal atmosphere and room for personal development makes De Beer special for me.”
Realize your ambitions under optimal conditions – Working at Bol
“When we met at the career event I thought: yes, yes, that will do. But it really is the following,” says Jasmijn Giesen (22). “Here they do everything to create the right preconditions for you.” Marijne Jurjus (23) couldn’t agree more. “Definitely! As a starter, I experience all the space I need to discover and learn. A lot is asked of you and a lot is possible.” Even part-time work or parenthood does not stand in the way of a career. Alice van Helden (32): “Good work-life flexibility allows you to shape your career path at Bol Advisors according to your own ambitions.” We sat down with three female employees in Bol Advisers’ audit department to hear what it’s like to work at Bol. Jasmijn has just been employed for six months as a junior assistant auditor. She studied business administration at the RU in Nijmegen, with a master’s degree in Economics (specialization Accounting and Control). Marijne has been working there since September 2023, also as a junior assistant accountant, and after studying Economics, she followed the same master’s degree as Jasmijn. Alice has been in the profession for eight years and is an audit manager. She has also chosen HR duties in her department and developed the buddy program. Different than a Big4 Alice: “I have been working at Bol for four years now, but started at a national office eight years ago. This experience was very valuable, even though the work-life balance there was not always optimal. As a starter, the gap between the theoretical knowledge gained and daily practice was large, so I was mostly navigating instead of really learning. At Bol, I experience a completely different approach. Here, direct communication is encouraged and there is room for asking questions. The work environment is open and collaborative, which has a positive impact on your professional development.” Being able to discover what suits you Jasmijn: “When you’ve just finished your studies, it’s hard to decide what you want. What I like here is that it’s okay that I don’t know everything yet. In fact, they facilitate my search. During the orientation at the career events, I got the feeling that many other companies expect you to already have a plan. At Bol, they work with you to find that plan.” Based on interests and talents, employees are helped to find the right path for themselves. Bol uses various means for this, including a traineeship. Marijne: “As a trainee you can look around in other departments. I work in the assurance department, but as a trainee I also visit the international practice and business controlling. This way I can discover what I find interesting and what suits me best.” “The work environment is open and collaborative, which has a positive impact on your professional development.” Learning from and with each other There is also a boot camp program, in which Jasmijn and Marijne participate. With ten starters, they meet monthly for training sessions. Sometimes person-oriented, sometimes profession-oriented. Marijne: “At the beginning we made the DISC personality analysis. We now know each other’s pitfalls and can help each other with them. Another meeting was about work pressure and time management. Helpful and fun.” They learn from and with each other. Even the term Bol family is mentioned. Alice: “We consciously choose to organize the programs department-wide, so afterwards the threshold is lower to approach each other professionally. Knowing each other leads to better and more efficient cooperation, across the various Bol branches.” Overall, Jasmijn is struck by how driven everyone is. “Colleagues dedicate themselves 100% to customers and the bar is high. That appeals to me enormously.” A personal buddy In the audit department, they also work with a buddy program. Alice: “This means that all (junior) assistants are paired with an audit leader or audit manager, who receives thorough buddy training in return. A buddy provides professional guidance and personal attention. You can choose your own buddy.” Marijne is enthusiastic about this system. “You get valuable feedback and/or professional tips. To give an example: as early as last December, my buddy warned me about the first quarter of this year. That’s also called the busy season; a busy time that can be experienced as intense as a newcomer, especially if you don’t know everything yet. But because of the tips my buddy gave me then, I didn’t experience the first months of 2024 as boring at all. In addition, my buddy is also a kind of confidant. I can discuss everything.” Shaping your own career path Bol encourages professional development and performance, but also has an eye for ‘people’. Alice: “Although accountancy is still predominantly a ‘man’s world’, I do see a growing group of women going for a career in Accountancy. Especially for mothers this can be challenging and sometimes requires a different work-life flexibility. At Bol, we look for the right conditions to combine this.” To move up, you don’t necessarily have to work full-time. You also have career opportunities at Bol on a part-time basis. And more and more men are working part-time as well. Jasmijn: “Choosing part-time does not mean that you are not ambitious. You still have the same goal, but just choose a different path.” What matters is that employees take their own responsibility within the agreed number of hours they work. Marijne: “That also means I can go home earlier on Wednesdays because of my sports course. At least, if work allows it. Friends in a similar position told me that this is not common.” Creating your own space Bol also wants to keep work interesting for non-starters. In the audit practice, they have created “free space” for that purpose. Alice: “For 80% of the time you do your ‘normal’ work. For the other 20% you can take on a different role that allows you to develop yourself in other areas. I chose HR, but that could also be data analysis, or helping to shape developments in the field of sustainability.
Working at Van Oers – Jolien
Jolien Sap is an Analyst in the Corporate Finance team at Van Oers. She will take you through her (study) career and the developments she has gone through so far within Van Oers. Study After obtaining my vwo-gymnasium diploma, I started as a student of the bachelor in Business Economics. After obtaining my Bachelor’s degree, I successfully obtained the Master Accountancy and the Master Finance. In 2023, I received my degree for these. I look back on an instructive period in which I was ready to put my experience into practice! The right match During my study, I worked at the audit department of Van Oers in 2021, I discovered that audit was not quite the right place for me. Still, I looked back positively on the period I had worked at Van Oers. This was partly because of the fun culture and committed colleagues. I was therefore wondering if I could do better in another department. So I started talking to other departments. Van Oers was also actively involved in this process. They really look at where your talents are used in the best way. That is great. While I was taking the master’s in Finance, I had regular contact with Joost Akkermans from the Corporate Finance department. While completing this master, we started talking again for a position within their team. There I have been working full-time as an Analyst since September 2023. Lots of variety There are three disciplines under the Corporate Finance department: M&A, Due Diligence and Debt & Restructuring. As a starter, I entered the department as a general analyst. This means that I help with projects in all departments to find out which discipline suits me best. Because of this, my work is very diverse. Here are some of the projects: Helped D&R with financing models. Writing financing Memorandum Attending client meetings Setting up data books for financial analysis and reporting Valuation of organizations Writing an information memorandum for M&A Coordinating a book examination By working in all disciplines, I really discover what I am good at and where my preferences lie. I really feel that I get all the space I need to keep developing myself! Room for growth and development Van Oers is a training company, something that really appealed to me as a starter. Within Van Oers you get the opportunity to learn and develop quickly. From day one, you are actively involved in projects and are given your own responsibilities and go along to customer meetings right away. This way you quickly develop the hard and soft skills needed for the job. Because Van Oers consists of many different departments, there is a lot of knowledge available. For example, if you have a tax or legal question, there is always someone within the company who can help you quickly. These are factors that help us achieve the best result for our customer. Of course, Van Oers is also a very pleasant company, where we love parties and celebrating successes. Both large and small. From student life to work life The step from student life to work life took some getting used to. During college, you are used to arranging your own time more, such as sports and studying when you want. When you start working full-time you automatically start adjusting your rhythm more. Now that I’m used to it, I like having more stability, and not having any obligations after working hours. Then I make time for my hobbies, sports and friends. The nice thing about working at Van Oers is that hybrid working is possible. Depending on team and client agreements, of course! Tips for students I can recommend everyone to work during their studies. I found out that working in an audit department did not suit me at all and that I had to look for something else. Gaining relevant work experience during your studies helps you to find out what does or does not suit you. It also helped me to participate in events organized by the study association. This enables you to come into contact with companies and to get an idea of what you like and what kind of employer suits you. Would you also like to realize your ambitions at Van Oers? Feel free to contact one of our recruiters Wendy and Daniëla, or send an email to werken@vanoers.nl. Also take a look at our updated website: https://bit.ly/3vFVMWV]
